Catholic Identity
Staff Ecological Walk with Fran Sullen
(Parish Earth care member)
Walking Gently Together (Monday, 7th September)
Last Monday our staff gathered at the Australian Botanic Gardens for a special ecological walk led by Fran Smullen (Parish Earth care representative). Surrounded by the beauty of our local environment, Fran encouraged us to slow down, observe closely and reflect on our responsibility to care for God’s creation.
The walk provided a meaningful opportunity to connect with nature, appreciate the richness of our local landscape and consider the important relationship between healthy waterways, plants, animals and people. It connected beautifully with this year’s Season of Creation theme, “Living Waters,” reminding us that water is a precious gift that sustains all life.
Our walk also reflected the Catholic Social Teaching principle of subsidiarity—the belief that people should be empowered to participate in decisions and take action within their own local communities. Caring for creation does not only rely upon governments or large organisations; it begins with each of us, working together at a local level to protect our shared environment.
As we walked and reflected together, we were reminded that small, thoughtful actions can create meaningful change. By noticing, valuing and caring for the natural world around us, we each contribute to the wellbeing of our common home.
We sincerely thank Fran Smullen for generously sharing her knowledge, passion and love of creation with us. It was a peaceful and enriching experience that encouraged us all to continue walking gently upon the earth.
Seasons of Creation stalls
Friday, 11th September
Our Seasons of Creation Stalls were a wonderful celebration of God’s creation, bringing our students together through faith, friendship, generosity and care for our common home. A special thank you to our Year 6 Misneach Leaders and their teachers for enthusiastically preparing and running the stalls. Our younger students thoroughly enjoyed the many activities, treats and creation-inspired items available.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of:
- Our St Brendan’s families, who donated items for the stalls
- GVIP and Travis Georgeopoulos, who kindly donated the fresh apples
- St Brendan’s Parish, for the activity and colouring books
- Our Parents and Friends Association, for their generous financial donation
Catholic Mission, for the wooden crosses and bracelets
Together, we raised an outstanding $420.80, which will be donated to Catholic Mission Australia to support its important work with communities in need.
Thank you to everyone who donated, prepared, volunteered, purchased items or helped with the clean-up. Your generosity and support helped make this special celebration possible and demonstrated how, by working together, we can care for creation and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Reflection on Term 3
Celebrating Our Catholic Identity
As Term 3 draws to a close, we give thanks for the many faith-filled celebrations, experiences and opportunities that have strengthened the Catholic identity of our school community.
A significant diocesan celebration this term was the Installation Mass of our ninth Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop René Ramirez, on August 30. This was a joyful and historic occasion for our diocese as we welcomed Bishop René and prayed for God’s blessing upon his ministry and leadership.
Our staff Spirituality Day, Walking in the Spirit of Our Mercy Founders, celebrated 180 years of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia. Together, we reflected on the courage, compassion and faith of Catherine McAuley and the pioneering Sisters of Mercy. Their legacy continues to inspire us to serve others and bring the Mercy charism to life within our school and wider community.
Our Sacramental Program continued and was successfully completed, with students receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. We congratulate these students and thank their families, teachers, clergy and parish community for accompanying them on their faith journey. We also express our heartfelt appreciation to Jess Doyle, our Sacramental Coordinator, for her dedication, organisation and faithful service over the past five years.
We continued our support of Catholic Mission by attending Mass celebrated by Fr Jackson Saunders and Reverend Brian Boyle, followed by the Socktober Launch in preparation for World Mission Month in October. This special gathering encouraged students to learn about the experiences of children around the world and consider how they can help create a more just and compassionate world.
During the Season of Creation, staff members participated in an ecological walk at the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton, taking time to slow down, appreciate the beauty of our local environment and reflect prayerfully on our responsibility to care for our common home.
Our wonderful Year 6 Misneach Leaders also organised and ran the highly successful Season of Creation Stalls, celebrating all that is good and beautiful within God’s creation. The students demonstrated creativity, enthusiasm, teamwork and leadership as they prepared a wonderful range of environmentally inspired items and experiences for the school community to enjoy.
Throughout the term, our Masses, prayer experiences, sacramental celebrations, social justice initiatives and student leadership opportunities have continued to bring our 2026 theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It,” to life.
We sincerely thank our students, staff, families, parishioners and clergy for their support and participation throughout Term 3. May everyone enjoy a safe, restful and blessed spring holiday, filled with joyful moments shared with family and friends.
Wishing all our students, families and staff,
a safe, restful and blessed holiday.
May the spring break bring you time to pause,
reconnect and enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for Term 4.
God bless,
Leanne Pellegrino
Catholic Identity Leader